Dr. Mechoulam: The Future Of Medicine Depends On Clinical Trials

Dr. Mechoulam is a legend in the cannabis space. His discovery of the THC molecule in 1964 is the foundation of all modern knowledge surrounding cannabis. In partnership with Clover Leaf University, and with accreditation by the University of Central Caribbean School of Medicine, the Marijuana for Medical Professionals conference in Denver was a huge undertaking. However, it was worth the work to bring a cannabis conference of this quality to the professionals that can further what we know about cannabis medicine.

The discovery of THC

Mechoulam has worked on cannabis compounds for decades. The Israeli researcher has a lengthy resume, with the highlight being his discovery of THC and the endocannabinoid system. Now, he wants others to look at how THC acts in the human body.

We saw a lot of compounds and now there’s more than 100 of different varieties. But main ones are CBD and THC. – Dr. Mechoulam

Check out these HERB articles on everything you need to know about CBD and THC

From budtenders to doctors, everyone involved with cannabis needs to listen to Dr. Raphael Mechoulam speak. He showed attendees, visually, how his work is the basis for the medical marijuana. – Martha Montemayor, founder of HCU education.

While scientific knowledge evolves year by year, in his remarks, Mechoulam is clearly requesting more professionals with the right background to conduct clinical trials with cannabinoids.

Mechoulam gave a brief history lesson on the plant, including ancient scriptures and manuscripts that impressed the onlooking MD’s.

Mara Bilibajkich, MD, CCFP listened to Mechoulam speak from his study in Israel. “That speech was based on science and facts,” she said, “That’s what doctors use to prescribe.” She also got his message that there’s opportunity to look at cannabinoids through clinical trials and that there’s potential for its use in other medical conditions too.

We still don’t know how THC acts

His specialty is looking at the compounds. In his keynote lecture, Mechoulam mapped out his scientific method in working with cannabis. There are brain regions in which cannabinoid receptors are abundant like the cerebellum, hippocampus, to name a couple.

I love it when he says why would God put a receptor in the body for something we can’t smoke, that’s when he looked at endogenous receptors. – Montemayor.

It’s a roadmap he’s placed before today’s brightest minds in hopes they will find a niche ailment, apply his known data, and expand the knowledge in that area.

The knowledge gap

The medical cannabis community has identified there is a problem for today’s medicine: the knowledge gap between the latest research and medical professionals.

Most Colorado doctors have no idea about what their patients are taking, this conference is designed to help bridge that knowledge gap. – Montemayor.